Starter motor needs a tap to work recently

[ukjules]

I have a GS550e 1980. No kick start.
Since not using the bike for a month or so it now when cold needs a tap from a hammer to turn over and start.
Doing this has worked for past 2 days. This has never happened before. The starter may even be the original !

I initially thought it was the solenoid just clicking but no I am getting 12v to the starter. Solenoid checks out ok.

1) I'll test again today to see if it the same but if I need one does anyone know where you can get them in UK ?
Mines - 31100-47010. I was hoping for a new pattern one but it seems that is not be case and only eBay used ones.

2) I think to get this out I have to take the tank and carbs off to get access. Just thinking is removing and cleaning internals a useful next step ?

I'm hopeless at electrics and any info be useful.

[rphillips]

Don't tap that starter very much, there are magnets glued to the inside of the case that can easily be jarred loose, then you have bigger problems. You need, at the least, a good cleaning inside, Do you have a local starter & alternator shop near by?

[Baatfam]

Don't tap that starter very much, there are magnets glued to the inside of the case that can easily be jarred loose, then you have bigger problems. You need, at the least, a good cleaning inside, Do you have a local starter & alternator shop near by?

And a new set of brushes/contacts/whatever you call 'em. My 1100 did that and they were worn down to nothing.

[ukjules]

Under stood. Will remove next sunny. Poor bike is outdoors now.
Its an awful job for soming so simple to remove this.

It's - tank off , carbs pulled back or off, cam chain tensioner off to get at starter motor.

But that's the way it is ..
Thanks , will report when done.
(Will look for a starter alternator shop nearby as I have moved)

- Be very useful to know however for in years to come when we can't fix them what are we going to do and where can we get similar ? China do loads but I can't find one similar to mine.

[1978GS750E]

Hold the phone! You do not have to remove all that stuff to get the starter out.

There are only 2 bolts and a cable that need to be removed. A ratchet with an extension and a socket can get it out.

It's not fun but it can be done!

[ukjules]

Ok - I can imagine it's hell but will try. I have the tools for almost anything but this will be a test.

I will this try soon and inform.

Cheers .

[ukjules]

I guess this is what I need to fix starter? From wemoto.
Such a shame they are simply impossible to buy now. If I can't fix that's it !

[ukjules]

Just looked at the job. Impossible with carbs in the way and as I recall the chain tensioner too.
Way too tight and bolts not visible on a 550. Even if I could get to them I could never put them back.

Very poor design but all off today to get starter out.
Iv done it before just need to remember how to re attach the chain tensioner ...

Here goes

[ukjules]

< 1hr in. Going well.
Trust me on a 550 this is the only way to do it.

[ukjules]

Status :
Black gunge over electrode things .
What's think with this cleaner may be ok - pic cleaned to follow

[ukjules]

Cleaned . Contact things go in and out ok.
Cleans up fine .

Will bench test now

[ukjules]

One of the magnets has come off.
Damn..
Can it work with three ?
Can this be fixed as there are no others anywhere ?

[Grimly]

Clean up the internal case, and the magnet with some brake cleaner or acetone, etc, and epoxy it back in place.

[ukjules]

I'll try that.
Areldite ok ? (Two part )
Will update .

But as a side note when all are starters eventually break what are we to do ?
Who is going to make them ?

[rphillips]

Gosh, yours is way cleaner than mine was. Everything inside mine was completely coated with black, powdery, carbon build-up. No doubt the 550 starter looks waaay more aggravating to get out than the 750, 850, 1000, 1100, and 1150's, hate it for you, but good luck. He's gone now, but my old local starter and alt. shop, a few yrs. back, said he could glue the magnets back in as long as they aren't not broke into small pieces. He had bearings that fit my GS1100E Suzuki starter, and said he could adapt some other small brushes to work easier than h could order and wait for new from Suzuki. Hope all goes well, let us know.